Eliduc had as lord and suzerain, the King of Brittany over Sea.  The knight was greatly loved and cherished of his prince, by reason of his long and loyal service.  When the King’s business took him from his realm, Eliduc was his master’s Justice and Seneschal.  He governed the country well and wisely, and held it from the foe with a strong hand.  Nevertheless, in spite of all, much evil was appointed unto him.  Eliduc was a mighty hunter, and by the King’s grace, he would chase the stag within the woods.  He was cunning and fair as Tristan, and so wise in venery, that the oldest forester might not gainsay him in aught concerning the shaw.  But by reason of malice and envy, certain men accused him to the King that he had meddled with the royal pleasaunce.  The King bade Eliduc to avoid his Court.  He gave no reason for his commandment, and the knight might learn nothing of the cause.  Often he prayed the King that he might know whereof he was accused.  Often he begged his lord not to heed the specious and crafty words of his foes.  He called to mind the wounds he had gained in his master’s wars, but was answered never a word.  When Eliduc found that he might get no speech with his lord, it became his honour to depart.  He returned to his house, and calling his friends around him, opened out to them this business of the King’s wrath, in recompense for his faithful service.

“I did not reckon on a King’s gratitude; but as the proverb says, it is useless for a farmer to dispute with the horse in his plough.  The wise and virtuous man keeps faith to his lord, and bears goodwill to his neighbour, not for what he may receive in return.”

Then the knight told his friends that since he might no longer stay in his own country, he should cross the sea to the realm of Logres, and sojourn there awhile, for his solace.  His fief he placed in the hands of his wife, and he required of his men, and of all who held him dear, that they would serve her loyally.  Having given good counsel to the utmost of his power, the knight prepared him for the road.  Right heavy were his friends and kin, that he must go forth from amongst them.

Eliduc took with him ten knights of his household, and set out on his journey.  His dame came with him so far as she was able, wringing her hands, and making much sorrow, at the departure of her husband.  At the end he pledged good faith to her, as she to him, and so she returned to her own home.  Eliduc went his way, till he came to a haven on the sea.  He took ship, and sailed to the realm of Totenois, for many kings dwell in that country, and ever there were strife and war.  Now, near to Exeter, in this land, there dwelt a King, right rich and strong, but old and very full of years.  He had no son of his body, but one maid only, young, and of an age to wed.  Since he would not bestow this damsel on a certain prince of his neighbours, this lord made mortal war upon his fellow, spoiling and wasting all